Illustrator Nick Ellwood on how the wildlife of the Rye landscape inspired his drawings

Explore the work of illustrator Nick Ellwood as he discusses how the Rye landscape and wildlife inspired his drawings, now found in the Nature Lab exhibition at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
The majestic River Rye meanders through ancient woodlands, marshy grasslands and species-rich meadows - from high on the westerly moorlands of the National Park, before heading into the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Among the babbling becks and ancient trees, you'll also catch the shimmering bright blue feathers of a kingfisher, the copper eyes of a toad, the streaked brown and black feathers of a tawny owl and many more species that bring vibrancy and life to the Rye landscape.
This video was commissioned by the North York Moors National Park Authority as part of the Ryevitalise project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Until March 2025, the scheme is working to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of this extraordinary area.